Defining privacy and understanding what it means to people is challenging in today’s digital world. This lack of a standard definition makes protecting one’s digital privacy hard. It also makes building legal frameworks difficult because there is no common ground or understanding. Scholar Alan Westin offers some insight into this problem. In his seminal work on privacy and freedom, Westin delves into the concept of privacy. He describes it as “the claim of individuals, groups, or institutions to determine for themselves, when, how, and to what extent information about them is communicated to others.” This definition encapsulates the intricate nature […]
Search engines such as Google, Bing, and Yahoo play a pivotal role in our daily internet usage. They serve as gateways to the vast expanse of information on the internet, guiding us to the websites, resources, and online services we need. However, this convenience comes at a cost: our digital privacy. This article shows how search engines and the concept of Ubiquitous Technical Surveillance (UTS), an underlying threat in our digital landscape, impact your privacy. UTS refers to the constant collection and processing of user data by digital platforms, including search engines. Every search query, click, and page visit contributes […]
Your Privacy Matters Our personal lives are increasingly intertwined with the virtual world, creating a complex world of interactions, transactions, and communications. Amidst this intricate network, digital privacy emerges as a crucial aspect, guarding the sanctity of our personal information against unauthorized access and misuse. But what exactly does digital privacy entail, and why is it so vital for users today? Digital privacy can be understood as the right to keep one’s personal information, communications, and online activities private and secure. 🔑 Digital Privacy is the shield that protects users from intrusive practices, safeguarding their autonomy and preserving the confidentiality […]
Ubiquitous Technical Surveillance (UTS) and Ubiquitous Data Collection (UDC) represent two critical pillars of the pervasive data collection and analysis landscape. Though closely related, they serve different purposes and have distinct impacts on our privacy and the technology that shapes our world. Understanding their nuances is essential for navigating the complexities of digital privacy, privacy-enhancing technology development, and the societal implications of widespread data surveillance and collection. Ubiquitous Technical Surveillance (UTS) and Ubiquitous Data Collection (UDC) are two interrelated terminologies that form the backbone of the evolving data collection and aggregation landscape. Despite their similarities, they capture two distinct aspects […]
Surveillance is an integral part of maintaining order and ensuring security. This post explores the reasons behind surveillance and the methods employed, including Physical, Technical, and Digital surveillance. Understanding the Reasons Behind Surveillance Surveillance is a common practice carried out for various reasons. It can be implemented by entities ranging from private businesses to law enforcement agencies, whose primary goal is to ensure safety and order. Law enforcement uses it for crime prevention, law enforcement, and citizen protection. On the other hand, businesses may also employ surveillance to protect their interests. This can range from securing assets and intellectual property […]
Defining privacy and understanding what it means to people is challenging in today’s digital world. This lack of a standard definition makes protecting one’s digital privacy hard. It also makes building legal frameworks difficult because there is no common ground or understanding. Scholar Alan Westin offers some insight into this problem. In his seminal work on privacy and freedom, Westin delves into the concept of privacy. He describes it as “the claim of individuals, groups, or institutions to determine for themselves, when, how, and to what extent information about them is communicated to others.” This definition encapsulates the intricate nature […]
Search engines such as Google, Bing, and Yahoo play a pivotal role in our daily internet usage. They serve as gateways to the vast expanse of information on the internet, guiding us to the websites, resources, and online services we need. However, this convenience comes at a cost: our digital privacy. This article shows how search engines and the concept of Ubiquitous Technical Surveillance (UTS), an underlying threat in our digital landscape, impact your privacy. UTS refers to the constant collection and processing of user data by digital platforms, including search engines. Every search query, click, and page visit contributes […]
Your Privacy Matters Our personal lives are increasingly intertwined with the virtual world, creating a complex world of interactions, transactions, and communications. Amidst this intricate network, digital privacy emerges as a crucial aspect, guarding the sanctity of our personal information against unauthorized access and misuse. But what exactly does digital privacy entail, and why is it so vital for users today? Digital privacy can be understood as the right to keep one’s personal information, communications, and online activities private and secure. 🔑 Digital Privacy is the shield that protects users from intrusive practices, safeguarding their autonomy and preserving the confidentiality […]